Adjustable Necklace Extension with Interchangeable Adornments System and Method

ABSTRACT

The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system, the system includes an adjustable necklace extension assembly, two clasp attachers, at least one retractable cord, a housing and a retraction assembly. The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is useful for providing a decorative necklace accessory that helps users to more easily secure a necklace. The accessory may contain 2 necklace chains having clasps on one end of each chain. Each clasp can be connected to an end of a necklace in order to provide additional space for the user when adorning the necklace; thereby making it easier for the user to place the necklace on by enabling the user to place the necklace on over their head. The user can add adornments.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/235,951 filed Oct. 1, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of necklace accessories and more specifically relates to an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system.

2. Description of Related Art

Many individuals wear jewelry for adornment purposes. One such jewelry item is necklaces. Conventional necklaces can be difficult for a user to put on without the help of another person for various reasons. Necklaces generally comprise a pair of mating clasps on each end thereof that the user must secure on the back of the user's neck. This is particularly difficult for individuals with arthritis or poor hand dexterity. Furthermore, most necklaces are either very limited, or do not allow, for adjustment of length and often are not of a desirable length for the user. Thus, a device that facilitates ease of securing a necklace and that also provides a decorative appearance and the ability to adjust to a wide range of lengths is desired.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,582 to Brachfeld relates to a necklace accessory. The described adjustable length necklace and bracelet includes an adjustable length bracelet or necklace in which a chain link is formed in a continuous loop and passes through a pair of oval-shaped barrels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known adjustable length necklace and bracelet art, the present disclosure provides a novel adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system entitled ‘Interchangeable Necklace Extension’. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system which provides for ease of donning necklace(s).

The present invention provides a decorative necklace accessory that helps users to more easily secure a necklace. The accessory is preferably comprised of 2 necklace chains, each roughly around 7 inches in length (exact lengths can vary and be modified to best utilize the invention as determined by those skilled in the art) and having clasps such as lobster claw hooks (or similar clasps which are easily operated by the user) on one end of each chain.

Each clasp can be connected to an end of a necklace in order to provide additional space for the user when adorning the necklace; thereby making it easier for the user to place the necklace on by enabling the user to place the necklace on over their head. A repositionable mechanism is positioned centrally on the chains and can be adjusted up or down so as to draw the necklace more tightly on the user. The repositionable mechanism includes an incorporated outwardly facing connector adapted for receiving various adornments, which have the incorporated mating connector. The present invention is adjustable such that it can be extended to different lengths for use with different garments. Fastening means for the various adornments to be affixed to the mechanism may include snaps, magnets or other suitable equivalents that securely fasten yet provide convenient attaching and detaching means.

An adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is disclosed herein, in a first embodiment, the system comprising: an adjustable necklace extension assembly including two clasp attachers, at least one retractable cord, a housing, and a retraction assembly. As such, the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system comprises the adjustable necklace extension assembly. The adjustable necklace extension assembly comprises in functional combination the two clasp attachers, the at least one retractable cord, the housing, and the retraction assembly; wherein the two clasp attachers are connected to the at least one retractable cord. The at least one retractable cord is wrapped about the retraction assembly such that it is able to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is structured and arranged to secure a necklace about a neck and provide configuration for adjusting a relative included length of the necklace and the adjustable necklace extension assembly in combination.

In another embodiment an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is also disclosed herein; the system comprises an adjustable necklace extension assembly including, at least one first rod (having a first-proximate-end, and a first-dista-end), at least one second rod (having a second-proximate-end, and a second-distal-end), a housing, and a sliding assembly. Rod(s) may comprise chain or cord or other flexible material that may be used to attach about a neck means. The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system comprises the adjustable necklace extension assembly; wherein the adjustable necklace extension assembly comprises in functional combination the at least one first rod, the at least one second rod, the housing, and the sliding assembly. The at least one first rod is defined between the first-proximate-end, and the first-distal-end, and similarly the at least one second rod is defined between the second-proximate-end, and the second-distal-end. The sliding assembly allows the at least one first rod and the at least one second rod to slidingly move in relation to the sliding assembly. The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is structured and arranged to secure a necklace about a neck and provide configuration for adjusting a relative included length of the necklace and the adjustable necklace extension assembly in combination.

A kit is also disclosed herein comprising set of instructions; and the adjustable necklace extension assembly, and a set of interchangeable accessories which are magnetically (or non-magnetically) coupleable.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing examples of interchangeable adornments of the system of FIGS. 1-2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system of FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a jewelry accessory and more particularly to an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system as used to provide a decorative necklace accessory that helps users to more easily secure a necklace. The accessory is comprised of 2 necklace chains (or rods) having clasps on one end of each chain. Each clasp can be connected to an end of a necklace in order to provide additional space for the user when adorning the necklace; thereby making it easier for the user to place the necklace on by enabling the user to place the necklace on over their head.

Generally, the accessory comprises 2 elongated chains having fasteners on one end of each chain, such as clasps. The clasps can be secured to each end of a conventional necklace, so as to lengthen the necklace. On the other end of each chain there shall be a bead (or other item) to act as a barrier. The chains shall be connected by a repositionable mechanism thereon which shall slide so as to lengthen or tighten the necklace on the user. In this embodiment the adjustable slide retains the chains in a semi-secure grip that allows for movement of the slide when needed. The repositionable mechanism shall have an incorporated outwardly facing connector (such as a snap, magnet or other suitable equivalent that securely fastens yet provides convenient attaching and detaching means) on which a variety of decorative adornments can be positioned to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The adornments may have any variety of shapes, patterns, designs, gems, stones, beads, and other embellishments as desired by the user and shall also have the mating fastening means incorporated on the back side thereon. In this way, the present invention provides a decorative accessory for a user that improves the appearance of traditional necklaces, and facilitates adorning a necklace.

In a particular embodiment the accessory comprises 2 elongated chains or cords (also having fasteners on one end of each and a barrier on the other end of each). As in the slide design, the clasps can be secured to each end of a conventional necklace, so as to lengthen the necklace. The user may adjust the necklace extension to lengthen or shorten to a desired length by means of a retractable repositionable mechanism which shall allow the extended portion to be retracted and wound about a spindle inside the repositionable mechanism. The user may adjust the retractable mechanism device by pressing a release button thereby allowing the user to adjust to different desired lengths. The repositionable mechanism on this device shall also include an outwardly facing connector on which a variety of decorative adornments can be positioned.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, various views of an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100.

FIG. 1 shows adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 150, according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 may be beneficial for use by a user 140 to provide a decorative necklace accessory that helps users to more easily secure a necklace.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 comprises an adjustable necklace extension assembly 110 including, at least one first rod 205 (having a first-proximate-end 210, and a first-distal-end 215), at least one second rod 220 (having a second-proximate-end 225, and a second-distal-end 230), a housing 235, and a sliding assembly 240. Rod(s) (205, 220) may comprise chain or cord or other flexible material that may be used to attach about a neck, as shown in FIG. 1. The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 comprises the adjustable necklace extension assembly 110; wherein the adjustable necklace extension assembly 110 comprises in functional combination the at least one first rod 205, the at least one second rod 220 (flexible or non-flexible), the housing 235, and the sliding assembly 240. The at least one first rod 205 is defined between the first-proximate-end 210, and the first-distal-end 215, and similarly the at least one second rod 220 is defined between the second-proximate-end 225, and the second-distal-end 230. The sliding assembly 240 allows the at least one first rod 205 and the at least one second rod 220 to slidingly move in relation to the sliding assembly 240. The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 is structured and arranged to secure a necklace about a neck and provide configuration for adjusting a relative included length of the necklace and the adjustable necklace extension assembly in combination.

Referring now to retractable embodiment of FIG. 4, adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100, comprises adjustable necklace extension assembly 110 including, two clasp attachers 120, at least one retractable cord 130, a housing 135, and a retraction assembly 145. As such, adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 comprises adjustable necklace extension assembly 110. Adjustable necklace extension assembly 110 comprises in functional combination the two clasp attachers 120, the at least one retractable cord 130, the housing 135, and the retraction assembly 145. The present invention provides a decorative necklace accessory that helps users to more easily secure a necklace.

The two clasp attachers 120 are connected to the at least one retractable cord 130 in certain embodiments. The at least one retractable cord 130 is wrapped about the retraction assembly 145 such that it is able to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 is structured and arranged to secure a necklace about a neck (as shown in FIG. 1) and provide configuration for adjusting a relative included length of the necklace and the adjustable necklace extension assembly 110 in combination.

Adjustable necklace extension assembly 110 further comprises the rotatable retraction assembly 145. The housing 135 further comprises a front shell and a back shell. The retraction assembly 145 further comprises two coil springs. The retraction assembly 145 further comprises two spools. The retraction assembly 145 further comprises two of the at least one retractable cords 130. The retraction assembly 145 further comprises a spring 160. The retraction assembly 145 further comprises at least one shaft 165. The retraction assembly 145 further comprises a catch. The shaft further comprises a magnetic end 175. The two of the at least one retractable cords 130 operate independently of each other. The front shell of the housing 135 comprises a round opening. The round opening comprises a magnet. The front shell 180 of housing 135 comprises two front-half-cylindrical-openings allowing egress and ingress of the at least one retractable cord 130. The back shell 195 of housing 135 comprises two back-half-cylindrical-openings allowing egress and ingress of the at least one retractable cord 130. The top of the housing 135 comprises of two round apertures.

According to one embodiment, the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 may be arranged as a kit. In particular, the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 may further include a set of instructions. The instructions may detail functional relationships in relation to the structure of the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 (such that the adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system 100 can be used, maintained, or the like, in a preferred manner). Kit may comprise adjustable necklace extension assembly 110, and a set of interchangeable accessories (adornments 245) which may or may not be magnetically coupleable. Kit may be used for any of the embodiments.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. An adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system, the system comprising: an adjustable necklace extension assembly including, two clasp attachers, at least one retractable cord, a housing, and a retraction assembly, wherein said adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system comprises said adjustable necklace extension assembly, wherein said adjustable necklace extension assembly comprises in functional combination said two clasp attachers, said at least one retractable cord, said housing, and said retraction assembly, wherein said two clasp attachers are connected to said at least one retractable cord, wherein said at least one retractable cord is wrapped about said retraction assembly such that it is able to move between an extended position and a retracted position, and wherein said adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is structured and arranged to secure a necklace about a neck and provide configuration for adjusting a relative included length of said necklace and said adjustable necklace extension assembly in combination.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said adjustable necklace extension assembly further comprises said a rotatable retraction assembly.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said housing further comprises a front shell and a back shell.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said retraction assembly further comprises two coil springs.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein said retraction assembly further comprises two spools.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein said retraction assembly further comprises two of said retractable cords.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein said retraction assembly further comprises a spring.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein said retraction assembly further comprises a shaft.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein said retraction assembly further comprises a catch.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein said shaft further comprises a magnetic end.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein said two of said retractable cords operate independently of each other.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein said front shell of said housing comprises a round opening.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said round opening comprises a magnet.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein said front shell of housing comprises two front-half-cylindrical-openings allowing egress and ingress of said at least one retractable cord.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein said back shell of housing comprises two back-half-cylindrical-openings allowing egress and ingress of said at least one retractable cord.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein a top of said housing comprises of two round apertures.
 17. An adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system, the system comprising: an adjustable necklace extension assembly including, at least one first rod having, a first-proximate-end, and a first-distal-end, at least one second rod having, a second-proximate-end, and a second-distal-end, a housing, and a sliding assembly, wherein said adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system comprises said adjustable necklace extension assembly, wherein said adjustable necklace extension assembly comprises in functional combination said at least one first rod, said at least one second rod, said housing, and said sliding assembly, wherein said at least one first rod is defined between said first-proximate-end, and said first-distal-end, wherein said at least one second rod is defined between said second-proximate-end, and said second-distal-end, wherein said sliding assembly allows said at least one first rod and said at least one second rod to slidingly move in relation to said sliding assembly, and wherein said adjustable necklace extension with interchangeable adornments system is structured and arranged to secure a necklace about a neck and provide configuration for adjusting a relative included length of said necklace and said adjustable necklace extension assembly in combination.
 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising set of instructions; and said adjustable necklace extension assembly, and a set of interchangeable accessories which are magnetically coupleable. 